TOPIC: PACSBA - May 5, 2018 Eastern PA “Blue Mountain Run”

On Saturday, May 5, 2018 the Eastern Pennsylvania Chapter of the Christian Sport Bike Association will be having it’s May Monthly Ride - The “Blue Mountain Run”. We will be meeting at the Starlite Diner by Fogelsville for breakfast at 8:00 a.m. and the ride plans to depart at 9:15 a.m., so please be ready. Late comers might get left behind, so don't be late!

The “Blue Mountain Run" will start at 9:15 a.m. and will follow the twisty roads through the Blue Mountains to Evan's Roadhouse Pub where we will stop for lunch. The afternoon route brings us through routes 29, 309s and 115 - ending near the turnpike so be ready for full day of fun and fellowship. Come out and enjoy the roads with us. Remember all our riders are required to wear their protective gear. (see below for details).

All bikes and beliefs are welcome, please let us know if you or any friends are coming (it's ok to forward them invites). Please ensure however that you and any friends read and comply with our ride policy, www.pacsba.org/join/ride-policy. Also please come to the diner with a FULL TANK OF GAS. We will not be making additional stops during the rides - just the scheduled stops. There are two gas stations on either side of route 100 near the diner, so please fuel up before the ride. Thanks!

Lastly, please if you decide to join us for the day, we ask that you select a pace and group in which you desire to ride (below on pinned post) to start the day out with - you can always change your group later - it’s just to help us assign you a ride leader and group to get the day started off right. Thanks again!

What a handsome group of men! I’m proud to carve up the roads with these gents since these fellas represent a subset of our A-group riders. From as far north as Conn, as far east as Long Island, NY and as far south as the Philly suburbs – these 12 gentlemen came to ride and enjoy the roads, and that we did.

This was our first true ride this year since our April ride was rained out (our normal lately it seems). I was also ill prepared since I didn’t get a chance to recon the route – and was also trying out a new app (which was a FAIL for me). We had our set of challenges starting off – but luckily Matko had a copy of his Garmin maps/route with him, which kept us on the straight and narrow. We ran around in circles a little initially, but we regrouped and finally got it together. I must say, Matko and his new Ducati were the star of the show this day, blazing the path in the F1 group. I had to break a sweat to keep up with him. I’m thinking it’s time to pass the lead position over to him – Well Done Sir!

For all that know, this ride usually loses attendance in leu of the famous SDTC Cheese Steak Run Ride that brings crews from all around the tri-state area to converge on Philly for the day. Alan Lane (Aka Black Moses) from SportBikeInc.com Magazine does a wonderful job in organizing those large rides, sometimes in upwards of nearly 1,000 riders. We applaud Alan for his rides and organization – but our rides are only and always about hitting the back roads and enjoying the twisties at “pace”. That’s what we do – so we give thanks to our 12 gentlemen that chose to enjoy a day of riding with us. As always, the company was outstanding! I’m also happy to report – no incidents or downed riders!

Our day started as a typical ride day would – we chatted, reviewed the rules of the ride and rules of the road, broke up into 2 groups and was ready to head out…

- Reviewing the rules of the ride and road with the group -

I cautioned the team the roads were going to be a little challenging due to light gravel, possible wash out, and other debris left over from the winter days. As I shared earlier, the lead group suffered slightly as we got started from me not being fully prepared and having the route committed to memory. The chase group was spot on and landed on-time to the lunch spot – we on the other hand were about 20 mins behind them. We dodged the gravel and road debris – meaning everyone had a smile on their face by the time we reached the lunch meetup. The weather was perfect – a hint of possible rain, but we didn’t let that detour us.

We broke bread and exchanged our stories from the ride during lunch. After lunch I shared the word and enjoyed a brief discussion on our topic. One added, “a shared joy is twice the joy, a shared burden is ½ the burden….” Which is so very true. I’m just very thankful that we had the day to get in some back roads as it always feels good to get the wind on your back and the heart pumping. With the hint of rain facing us, we decided to end our ride and head for home since some of us had a long road ahead. We said our goodbyes – paired up and headed home.

As I always do, I’d like to take this moment to thank everyone for your continued participation, involvement and giving attitudes on our rides and events. Whether you come out to ride or just break bread with us – we welcome your participation. These rides are designed for you, our riders, to enjoy the roads and have fellowship with us. We’re promoting a fellowship and an environment in which we want you to come and enjoy your love with others that share your passion of riding.

On behalf of the CSBA and our chapter, we give thanks to you for coming and enjoying the day with us. See you again soon and don’t hesitate to reach out to me (or any CSBA member) with any and all questions you may have about our rides or the CSBA Organization. Blessings to you all!

- The Star of the Show – Matko’s new Ducati led the F1 Group

- Andrew and Cory listening in on the ride meeting -

Being Present in Life and Enjoying God’s Presence…“In Your presence is fullness of joy…”PSALM 32:8 NIV

Sometimes we fail to appreciate the best things in life; things that are right under our noses… The taste and smell of our favorite meal; the feeling of contentment we have once completing something challenging; or the feeling we experience when spending time with someone we really enjoy. Have you ever watched a young couple communicate their love for each other without even saying a word? Maybe you have experienced it yourself? Every glance, every touch, every smile conveys love. People deeply in love find absolute bliss simply being in each other’s presence. Being present can be a very powerful thing.

In the same way, simply being in the presence of God and the things God has created brings us great joy. It happens as we listen to Him speak His Word; it happens as we pray. But it also happens as we simply enjoy His presence – meditating on His goodness, delighting in the beauty of His creation, rejoicing in the life of a new baby or the surprise of an unexpected blessing. All of these basic things can bring us great joy if allowed. The Bible says, “Be still, and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10)

Someday we will be in His presence forever; (for those that are moving on to a heavenly address) - The Bible says, “God Himself will be with them” (Revelations 21:3). That’s great – but I want to enjoy him now you might mention… so in the meantime, delight in His presence right now in your life, for He is with you every hour of every day.

Look around you and learn to appreciate the simple things. Ask for God’s presence in your life. We are taught, we must ask for the things we want. If you don’t know the Lord and want to learn more about him, please don’t hesitate to talk with me, or your friends here. The CSBA serves as your Godly guide and as a light to help guide you, not only for your riding, but for your spirit too. Don’t be afraid to ask – that is why we are here. Blessings!